The London Fire Brigade reports a doubling of carbon monoxide incidents over five years, highlighting risks linked to cost-driven heating choices as colder months approach.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has reported a concerning rise in the number of call-outs related to carbon monoxide (CO) incidents, with figures more than doubling over the past five years. Between August 2024 and July 2025, the brigade responded to 1,714 emergency calls related to carbon monoxide, a gas often described as a "silent killer" due to its undetectable nature by taste, sight, or smell. This escalation reflects a broader trend seen in recent years, with a total of 7,764 incidents recorded over the past six years.
Assistant Commissioner Pamela Oparaocha emphasised the risks associated with alternative heating methods, cautioning against practices such as burning treated wood, which can release toxic fumes and potentially ignite nearby materials. She linked the rise in CO incidents to the increasing cost of living, suggesting that some households might be resorting to unsafe heating methods or delaying necessary appliance servicing to save money. "As we enter some of the coldest months of the year, it's natural to want to heat homes in a cost-effective way, but keeping warm must be done in a safe way," she said.
Recent incidents highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. Last week, the LFB dealt with elevated CO levels detected at a food court on Kensington High Street, leading to evacuation and ventilation before the building was declared safe. In March 2023, a significant carbon monoxide leak in a City of London flat required evacuation of residents, with safety precautions extended to nearby occupants. Similarly, in January 2023, dangerously high CO levels were recorded in Southgate due to an open fire, illustrating the hazards linked to alternative heating methods during periods of rising energy costs.
The brigade has also noted a rise in heating-related fires, responding to 36 such fires between late December 2024 and January 2025 alone—an average of one per day. In total, 236 heating-related fires were recorded in 2024, resulting in six injuries. The LFB urges residents to register heating appliances and maintain them rigorously to prevent such incidents.
Historically, the rise in carbon monoxide incidents is not new. Between 2009 and 2017, the number of CO-related emergencies in London increased from 207 to 569, accompanied by 24 deaths and 430 injuries. These figures underpin the longstanding call from the LFB for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all rooms containing fuel-burning appliances, with frequent testing to ensure they remain functional.
In light of these ongoing risks, the brigade continues to advocate for public awareness and safety measures, suggesting that residents install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms, particularly in rooms with fuel-burning devices. Financial support and advice on safe heating are available through local authorities and organisations such as Citizens Advice to help households manage energy costs without compromising safety.
The London Fire Brigade's warnings come at a time when heating and energy security remain pressing concerns for many Londoners, especially with fluctuating energy prices and colder weather. Their consistent message is clear: while staying warm is essential, it must never come at the expense of safety.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports a significant rise in carbon monoxide incidents in London, with figures more than doubling over the past five years. The most recent data points to 1,714 emergency calls between August 2024 and July 2025, and a total of 7,764 incidents over the past six years. These figures align with previous reports from the London Fire Brigade, indicating that the core information is consistent with earlier publications. However, the specific emphasis on the recent surge and the detailed breakdown of incidents provide a fresh perspective. The inclusion of recent incidents, such as the elevated CO levels detected at a food court on Kensington High Street, adds timeliness to the report. The narrative also references a press release from the London Fire Brigade, which typically warrants a high freshness score due to its direct and current information. No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The report does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. Overall, the freshness score is high, with the narrative providing updated and specific details on recent incidents.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Assistant Commissioner Pamela Oparaocha, such as:
> "As we enter some of the coldest months of the year, it's natural to want to heat homes in a cost-effective way, but keeping warm must be done in a safe way."
A search for this exact quote reveals no earlier usage, suggesting it is original to this report. The wording matches the press release from the London Fire Brigade, indicating that the quotes are accurately attributed and not reused from other sources. The high score reflects the originality and proper sourcing of the quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, the London Fire Brigade, which is a trusted source for fire safety information in London. The report is consistent with previous communications from the Brigade, and the quotes are directly attributed to Assistant Commissioner Pamela Oparaocha, a verified official. The high score reflects the credibility and authority of the source.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents plausible claims regarding the rise in carbon monoxide incidents in London, supported by specific data points and recent examples. The mention of the elevated CO levels detected at a food court on Kensington High Street is corroborated by a London Fire Brigade report from April 2023. The narrative also highlights the dangers of alternative heating methods, aligning with previous warnings from the Brigade about the risks associated with open fires and untreated wood. The language and tone are consistent with official communications from the London Fire Brigade, and there are no signs of excessive or off-topic detail. The high score reflects the narrative's consistency with known facts and its alignment with the Brigade's messaging.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative provides a timely and accurate report on the surge in carbon monoxide incidents in London, supported by specific data and direct quotes from a reputable source. The information aligns with previous reports from the London Fire Brigade, and there are no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The high scores across all checks indicate strong credibility and reliability.
